By Mark Winne I’m worried about the coming month. Not because I have any dark premonition, but because this is the time when we slip into that autumnal haze marked by pumpkins, turkeys and cornucopias. These harvest-time icons signal the arrival of World Food Day (Oct. 16), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s […]

I have heard people refer to Mark as the ‘father of food policy work’ and the ‘guru of food policy councils’. Though a bit cliched, I think people are trying to capture what Mark provides for all of us working in food policy — he inspires us, challenges our thinking, listens to what we need, and is constantly looking for solutions we all can work toward.”

Mark is tremendously on-demand, all across the country. This is not just due to his knowledge and experience with the complex and controversial world of food policy, but more so becuase he takes the time to understand local issues, work with communities where they are at, and establish relationships with those he works with.

It has taken us several years, and more than a few fits and starts, to get a food systems council off the ground. Through it all, Mark has been available to provide direction (and re-direction!) and gentle but honest feedback. We look to him again and again because he is a good listener and a thoughtful advisor.

Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin' Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture

By Mark Winne

Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty

By Mark Winne

About Mark Winne

From 1979 to 2003, Mark Winne was the Executive Director of the Hartford Food System, a private non-profit agency that works on food and hunger issues in the Hartford, Connecticut area.

Mark currently writes, speaks, and consults extensively on community food system topics including hunger and food insecurity, local and regional agriculture, community food assessment, and food policy.